International Society for Krishna Consciousness
Many people often ask, “ISKCON belongs to which country – India or abroad?” The answer is both simple and fascinating. While the spiritual roots of ISKCON are purely Indian, the organization itself was established in the United States of America (USA). Let’s explore the real origin, history, and global identity of ISKCON in a simple and engaging way.
✅ ISKCON Was Founded in the USA
ISKCON (International Society for Krishna Consciousness) was officially founded in the year 1966 in New York City, USA by His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada.
So, from a legal and organizational point of view:
ISKCON is an American-founded spiritual organization.
However, its philosophy, culture, traditions, and scriptures are deeply connected with ancient Indian Vedic civilization.
🇮🇳 Indian Roots, Global Birth
Although ISKCON started in America, its spiritual foundation comes from:
- Bhagavad Gita
- Srimad Bhagavatam
- Chaitanya Mahaprabhu’s Bhakti Movement
All these originated in India, especially in West Bengal, Odisha, and Vrindavan. Swami Prabhupada carried this ancient Indian wisdom to the Western world at a time when very few people outside India knew about Krishna consciousness.
So, in simple words:
- Spiritually → Indian
- Organizationally → American
- Practically → Global
🌍 Why ISKCON Is Called an International Organization
ISKCON is not limited to one country anymore. Today, it has:
- Temples in more than 100 countries
- Millions of followers worldwide
- Major centers in:
- India
- USA
- UK
- Russia
- Australia
- Africa
- Europe
That is why the word “International” is proudly included in its name.
🛕 ISKCON’s Strong Presence in India
Even though ISKCON was born in the USA, India is now its spiritual heart and cultural strength. Some of the most famous ISKCON temples are located in:
- Mayapur (West Bengal) – Global Headquarters
- Vrindavan (Uttar Pradesh)
- Bangalore (Karnataka)
- Mumbai (Maharashtra)
- Puri (Odisha)
- Delhi
Here, millions of Indian devotees actively participate in Krishna bhakti through festivals, kirtans, food distribution (prasadam), and spiritual education.
🧘♂️ The Vision Behind Founding ISKCON
Swami Prabhupada’s dream was not to limit Krishna devotion to India alone. His goal was:
- To spread peace through devotion
- To unite people through Bhakti Yoga
- To revive moral and spiritual values worldwide
That is why he chose America as the starting point—so the message could travel quickly across continents.
✨ Final Answer in Simple Words
If someone asks:
“ISKCON is of which country?”
The most accurate answer is:
ISKCON was founded in the USA, has Indian spiritual roots, and today it belongs to the entire world.
